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Little by little. Reflection for marriages: John 16:12-15

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From the Gospel according to John
16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.”

Little by little.

The Lord prepares us little by little; each one has their own time to understand and come to know Him.
It is the same in our marriage—we must get to know each other gradually, respecting our individual pace and learning from one another.
At all times, we must wait for the Holy Spirit to be the one who guides us, because only in this way will we grow in intimacy with the Lord and gain the ability to recognize Him in everything and everyone.
Our spouse is a reflection of God’s Love, and for that reason, we must listen with love, seeking the Lord in them. We also need to be open to being corrected, because we are not of this world, but sometimes we can be influenced by it and make mistakes.
Our spouse is that Suitable Helper through whom the Lord speaks to us; let us listen with the heart and, little by little, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will see it.

Applied to married life:

Gemma: Jordi, I think it might be good if you were a bit more gentle with the kids. It’s great that they know the rules, but it needs to be done with kindness.
Jordi: You’re right. Sometimes I forget that, after all, they’re just children and they’re still learning how things should be done. How interesting—some time ago, it really bothered me when you corrected me, but now I can see that you do it for my good and to help me grow in Love.
Gemma: I admit that sometimes it still makes me uncomfortable too, but when I take it to prayer, I see that it’s the Lord who wants to help me grow, and you are His best instrument.
Jordi: I love how we’re both learning to listen to our Father through each other!
Gemma: The Eucharist and prayer help us let go of ourselves and become able to see Him.

Mother,

May we be docile so that it is the Holy Spirit who acts in us and through us.
Praised be the Holy Spirit.

Neither Perjury Nor Oaths. Reflection for marriages Matthew 5:33–37

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Gospel of the Day
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:33–37
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples:
“You have heard that it was said to them of old: ‘Thou shalt not forswear thyself: but shalt perform thy oaths to the Lord.’
But I say to you not to swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
Nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
But let your speech be ‘Yes, yes’: ‘No, no’: and that which is over and above these, is of evil.”
The Gospel of the Lord.

Neither Perjury Nor Oaths
Jesus calls us to authenticity: “Let your speech be ‘yes, yes,’ ‘no, no’.”
Oaths should not be necessary to guarantee truthfulness, because the true disciple of Christ should live in such a way that their word is always trustworthy.
In marriage, there is no room for manipulation or half-truths — not even when done with the intention of avoiding conflict. There is no such thing as a “white lie.” Any lie, however small, is a concession to the father of lies — the evil one.
The covenant we make as spouses implies integrity, honesty, and a coherence between what we say and how we live. This should lead us to approach each other with humility and sincerity. Sometimes it may be uncomfortable to tell the truth. Other times it may be hard to ask for forgiveness. But only with an open heart and honest words does love grow.
Applied to Married Life

Iris: I can’t stand your lies!
Alejandro: You’re overreacting. I’m not lying to you. It’s just that sometimes I don’t tell you everything, so you won’t get upset.
Iris: And that’s exactly what I can’t stand. You probably think you’re doing me a favour, but you’re not. A priest once told me that every lie is a concession to the prince of lies — the devil. Since then, I try to always speak the truth. And, Alejandro, you must admit that in our marriage, we should hold to that standard completely.
How can I trust you if, as you say, “you don’t always tell me everything”?
Alejandro: I honestly hadn’t thought about it that way. You’re right. From now on, I promise I’ll try to tell you everything — even when it’s hard.
Iris: Thank you, Alejandro. Maybe I was being a little intense, but the Gospel clearly says our words should be “Yes, yes,” “No, no.” Anything beyond that comes from the Evil One.
Alejandro: Well, you’ve made it very clear. I don’t want anything to do with the Evil One. Just hearing his name gives me the creeps. So, thank you for opening my eyes.

Mother,
Give me the grace to always bear witness with honesty and integrity, and never fall into the trap of lies.
Praised be He who is the Truth.

This Is the Moment. Reflection for marriages John 17:1–2, 9, 14–26

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Gospel of the Day
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 17:1–2, 9, 14–26
At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said:
“Father, the hour is come: glorify thy Son, that thy Son may glorify thee.
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he may give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them whom thou hast given me: because they are thine.
I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them: because they are not of the world, as I also am not of the world.
I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil.
They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world.
Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth.
As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
And for them do I sanctify myself: that they also may be sanctified in truth.
And not for them only do I pray, but for them also who through their word shall believe in me.
That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee: that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou hast given me, I have given to them: that they may be one, as we also are one.
I in them, and thou in me: that they may be made perfect in one: and the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast also loved me.
Father, I will that where I am, they also whom thou hast given me may be with me: that they may see my glory which thou hast given me, because thou hast loved me before the creation of the world.
Just Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee; and these have known that thou hast sent me.
And I have made known thy name to them, and will make it known: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
The Gospel of the Lord.

This Is the Moment
The hour has come. Now our Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, sends us into the world — two by two — so that, by living our sacrament as Christian spouses, we may glorify Him. That through our love, united with His, we may give witness to the Gospel of Marriage.
Now is the moment for our “yes” — not next week, not tomorrow, but today, right now.
Do you not hear the call?
We say yes! And we ask Him to grant us the grace to be His witnesses.
Only through Him can we defeat the evil one.
Only in Him can we remain in the world without being of the world.
Only with Him can we become one and satisfy our deepest longing for communion.
And you, dear spouses — what will your answer be to the Lord?

Applied to Married Life
Lola: Jaime, I don’t think we’re the right couple to lead the new parish group for married couples.
Jaime: Why not? What makes you say that?
Lola: There are other couples who are way more prepared than we are.
Jaime: But this isn’t about knowing more — it’s about loving, about giving ourselves.
Lola: True, but… honestly, we’re not exactly “on fire” either.
Jaime: You know what they say — a gift isn’t truly received until it’s shared.
Joining our group has helped us grow so much. We can’t keep that to ourselves. We have to give it!
Lola: Yeah… but still…
Jaime: Besides, God doesn’t call the qualified — He qualifies the called.
Lola: You’re right, Jaime. You’re totally right. We belong to the Lord — and this is huge! He has prayed to the Father for us. What more could we ask for?
We can’t say no to the Lord, and certainly not to Our Blessed Mother. Thank you for helping me overcome my fears. I love you.
Jaime: And I love you too.

Mother,
Teach us and help us to live out our sacrament, united in Your Heart and in the Heart of Your Son.
Blessed are you, Mother.

To Abolish? Reflection for marriages Matthew 5:17–19

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Gospel of the Day

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:17–19
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.
He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.
But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.

To Abolish?
How often do we try to abolish or discard the commands of the Gospel that don’t align with how we prefer to live?
But any effort we make to enter into Your dynamic of love, to conform ourselves to Your Heart, is what will help us become truly one here on earth.
The fullness of love is to love without measure — it is the Cross. This is Your law: to die to myself and give myself for my neighbour, for my “nearest” — my spouse — just as You gave Yourself for Your Bride, the Church.

Applied to Married Life
Toni: That homily was tough to hear today. The priest watered down the message of the Gospel under the guise of compassion.
Sandra: Yes, it was painful to see how the value of the indissolubility of the Sacrament of Marriage was diminished.
Toni: I’m sure he’s doing what he believes is right, so let’s not judge him. After all, he’s given his life fully to the Lord, holding nothing back. What do you say — should we pray for him?
Sandra: I think that’s a wonderful idea, Toni. Maybe we could also invite him to have lunch with us and the kids, if that sounds good to you. It’s amazing how much the truth of the Gospel has been transforming us — thanks to the sacraments and prayer! In the past, we might have agreed with him… or just spent the whole afternoon criticising him.
Toni: Exactly, Sandra. May we never hinder the truth of the Holy Spirit. Praise be to the Lord!

Mother,
Teach us to be docile to the Holy Spirit. Be our model and our guide.
Thank you for loving us so much!

Light in the World. Reflection for marriages Matthew 5:13–16

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Gospel of the Day

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:13–16
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.
You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.
So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Light in the World
The sacrament of Matrimony is a gift received from God — a calling to be light in the midst of the world. Through our marriage, God calls us to make Himself known. He is present between us, uniting and enlightening us. Let us not waste this great gift, but instead make His love known to all.

We are light in our everyday lives — a visible manifestation of God’s love in the world. Let it be evident that Christ is present in us, and may we fill the world with light through our Sacrament. Simply by living out our marriage, we are changing the world and giving glory to God. Let us take advantage of the power Christ has entrusted to us.

 

Applied to Married Life
Inés: Hi, darling. I wasn’t expecting you so early — weren’t you meeting up with Pablo?
Pedro: Yes… and honestly, I’m a bit discouraged.
Inés: Oh no, what happened? Did things go badly?
Pedro: Yes. I just don’t see how to help him. It’s heartbreaking — he’s convinced his marriage is beyond saving. He’s given up completely.
Inés: I think you should be certain that you’ve already brought him a lot of light. Don’t forget that God works through us. I’m sure he’ll try again.
Pedro: You should’ve seen him. There was no getting through. They once loved each other deeply, but over time they drifted apart — just by thinking too much about themselves.
Inés: Well, don’t forget — even without realizing it, we’re shedding light on those around us. We have a sacrament that makes God’s love visible in the world, and that always leaves a mark, even if it’s not obvious at first.
Pedro: You’re absolutely right. The best thing we can do is keep loving each other well, and let our marriage bring life to theirs. Let’s invite them over for a coffee — maybe our joy can be contagious. I love your idea. You’re amazing.
Inés: No — we’re amazing. Together, we’re amazing. And we’re changing the world by revealing God through our marriage. I love you so much.
Mother,
Thank you. Help us always keep our lamp burning bright, that we may shine the light of God upon the world.
Blessed are you forever!